Due to provincial restrictions, parents unfortunately will not be able to attend the dinner event in Marion Hall on May 15th; however, we plan to livestream the red carpet promenade of graduates and the speeches at the dinner. We will also have a photographer take pictures of the students dressed up in their beautiful attire and a short video will be created to commemorate the evening. The photos and the video will be distributed by the end of May to parents and families.

 

Grade 12 parents will be permitted, and are encouraged to attend if logistically feasible, the House gatherings scheduled for May 29th. The concept of an intimate graduation done by each House was developed last year when graduation ceremonies in BC had significant restrictions placed on them due to the complexities of COVID-19. Parents able to attend appreciated being able to listen to the Headmaster, House Director and invited Grade 12 students speak about the Shawnigan journey, take pictures of their graduates receiving their diploma and connect with the parents of their child’s friends and staff – all while being outside and safely distanced. The times and exact details of this event will be announced once finalized. After each House ceremony, students and parents will leave campus and can then have their own celebrations with family.

 

Each graduate will be charged a $200 graduation fee to cover costs associated with both events, and this charge will be applied to the student’s April statement. The grad fee also covers a graduation photo sitting for every student and a digital package will be sent to parents so prints can be created at home. Graduation photos are already underway and will continue over the next few weeks.

 

The students on the Graduation Committee (two representatives from each House) are designing the activities that will, inevitably, make the event on the 15th of May a memorable evening. Some of the provisional highlights of the evening are: 

 

 

We are mindful of the BC Health regulations which will be in place in mid-May and will tailor the event so that we honour what is asked of us by the Public Health Office and the Ministry of Education.

We are planning to bring a variety of services to campus in order to support our students (hairdressers, nail technicians, etc.) and the School has arranged fittings for tuxedos/suits for our grads. The fitting session is scheduled for today: Friday, March 19th. The cost for tuxedos (including shoes and accessories) ranges from $155 - $300. Rental charges will be added to the student's school account and the School will arrange for pick-up after the event. House Directors of the girls’ Houses are supporting any of their Grade 12 students who need help with an outfit for the occasion.

 

We have had to be creative and work hard to reimagine each Shawnigan event this past year. Graduation 2021 will be different than previous years, but we are confident that a unique Shawnigan experience will be provided and that your graduates will make special memories that will last a lifetime.

 

On a special note, the students in charge of preparing the coveted “grad swag bags” have asked that if there are any parents interested in donating items, or funds to buy items to include in the bag, please reach out to cmiranda@shawnigan.ca. The students are looking to purchase grad wear and other special items to help celebrate their graduation. Thank you for your consideration.

 

We trust that you have found the recent individual Advisor and House Director grade-specific Zoom calls helpful and supportive. Further to this email, please do reach out to your House Directors with any further questions that you may have about the last term for our Grade 12s. More details will come regarding the House graduation ceremonies planned for May 29th. We are also planning some other exciting events to celebrate our Grade 12s’ last term at Shawnigan. They have been the embodiment of our values of “Curiosity, Compassion, Community and Courage” throughout 2020-21 and have lived and breathed the word shirt of “Adapt.”

 

Sending each of you our very best,

 

Cheryl Miranda

On behalf of the Shawnigan Graduation Committee of staff and students